Carlos Boozer, Lakers Amnesty Waiver Winners

Carlos was granted amnesty by the Chicago Bulls. The real winners may be the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Lakers placed a winning bid of $3,25 million to acquire the rights to Boozer, a 12-year NBA veteran. The Lakers were in bidding competition with nine other teams for Boozer’s rights, the Lakers being the highest, according to ESPN. Most teams decided to wait and hoped that no bids would be offered, effectively making Boozer a free agent.

What it all boils down to is this: Boozer was set to make $16.8 million from the Bulls this year. Since the Bulls used their amnesty waiver, any team who placed a bid for Boozer’s rights would pay the winning bid to Boozer, with the Bulls on the hook for whatever remained. So, the Lakers owe Boozer $3.25 million, and the Bulls owe Boozer $13.6 million for this year. The only solace for the Bulls is that Boozer’s salary will not count against their salary cap or luxury tax.

Since the Bulls amnestied Boozer, they could use Boozer’s salary to sign other free agents, which they have. The Bulls have gone on to sign Pau Gasol and Nicola Mirotic. Gasol essentially replaces Boozer on the Bulls roster, and vice versa for Boozer replacing Gasol on the Lakers Roster.

“We’re very pleased to have won the bidding process and to have gained his rights, and look forward to his contributions next season,” Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak said in a news release.

Boozer, 32, averaged 13.7 points and 8.3 rebounds last season for Chicago. He lost playing time to up-and-coming power forward Taj Gibson late in the season. He seemed confident, though, despite averaging only 9.6 points and 7.8 rebounds as the Bulls lost to Washington in the first round of the playoffs, reports the Los Angeles Times

“I know I can play at a high level,” the 6-foot-9 Boozer told the Chicago Tribune last month. “My body feels great. I still have 30-35 minutes a night in me and can average a double-double or close to it.” The Lakers now have five big men on their roster: Boozer, Jordan Hill, Robert Sacre, rookie Julius Randle, and Ed Davis.

This also gives the Lakers a rare offseason victory. Unable to sway Carmelo Anthony to come to Los Angeles, or Gasol to stay in Los Angeles, the Lakers get a serviceable big man with experience, possibly to tutor newcomer Julius Randle. Though the roster has not yet been solidified, this many big men may see individual player’s playing time at a premium.